Republican Candidates Recognize They Must Focus on More than the Economy

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The November 15 GOP Presidential Debate is rapidly approaching, driving the Republican candidates to strengthen their stance on foreign policy. Up until now, the primary focus has been on the economy and the candidates’ immediate tax reform and deficit reduction policies. Foreign policy has been placed on the back burner partly because of President Obama’s recent achievements with Muammar Gadhafi and Osama Bin Laden. This fact, as well as the ambiguity of “conservative foreign policy” has made it difficult for the candidates to define clear positions. Neo-conservatives such as Mitt Romney believe in taking a more aggressive, activist approach whereas other conservatives such as Herman Cain believe in taking a more diplomatic approach. Among the key foreign policy issues surrounding this debate are policy toward China, foreign aid, foreign market involvement, and engagement in Afghanistan. Candidates will need to consider several important questions including how they would decide when intervention is necessary and what the proper role of foreign aid is.

Mitt Romney

Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has been one of the only candidates to establish a clear position on foreign policy. He has been primarily focused on strengthening the United States’ role as a superpower and bringing about a new “American Century”. As Asian economies are rapidly developing, the United States needs to increase its competitive advantage and expand its market through international intervention. Islamic Fundamentalism produces the greatest threat to American interests and we must utilize a combination of diplomacy and military action. As he told students at the Citadel Military Academy in October, “The United States should always retain military supremacy to deter would-be aggressors and to defend our allies and ourselves…While America should work with other nations, we always reserve the right to act alone to protect our vital national interests.” Romney’s stance has been criticized by foreign policy experts for inconsistent statements pertaining to Afghanistan. In June, Romney stated that we should bring home our troops from Afghanistan as soon as possible, but has since suggested that Obama’s withdrawal of the troops is progressing too rapidly.

Herman Cain

Foreign policy has arguably been former CEO Herman Cain’s greatest weakness. He defines his foreign policy as “peace through strength and clarity”, a continuation of Ronald Reagan’s “peace through strength” mantra. Cain believes it is important for America to clearly define its friends and its enemies and openly admits that he does not have a clear plan for Afghanistan but will work closely with knowledgeable advisers in order to strengthen his position. He has clearly defined his stance on China in two words: “Outgrow China” a position that has drawn harsh criticism for its implausibility. Top adviser JD Gordon has a lot of work to do before the debate if Cain is to remain a frontrunner in the election.

Newt Gingrich

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, though not renowned for his foreign policy stance, is a proponent of a strong military and free trade. He believes that China should not be a concern as long as the United States can re-boost its own economy and government. If elected, one of his first actions would be to officially establish Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a position that has gained widespread support among Israel followers. Regarding Afghanistan, he has noted that clearly defining a set date for withdrawal is dangerous; it is going to be a long process and must be dealt with accordingly.

Rick Perry

Rick Perry actively warns against “military adventurism.” He has stated, “We should only risk shedding American blood and spending American treasure when our vital interests are threatened and we should always look to build coalitions among the nations to protect the mutual interests of freedom loving people.” It is important to support America’s allies overseas and to only take military action when America’s interests become endangered. Despite widespread support of Rick Perry’s views, he does not have an active plan to put these policies into action.

Ron Paul

When it comes to taking a stand on conservative foreign policy, it’s no doubt that Ron Paul has the most clearly defined goals. Ron Paul has pledged to withdraw our troops and end foreign aid as well as ending U.S. involvement in the World Trade Organization and United Nations. His anti-interventionist approach has been derided by many conservatives as too extreme; however, many foreign policy experts have been cited as agreeing that a military presence overseas is not in America’s best interest. Additionally, Ron Paul’s foreign policy ideas have made him the most popular candidate among members of the Armed Services.

Michele Bachmann

Michele Bachmann, like many other candidates, does not have a solid plan despite her clearly articulated views. She believes that we need to get out of Afghanistan as quickly as possible as we are not gaining anything by our presence in Afghanistan. She has defined certain criteria that she would use when deciding whether or not to use military intervention overseas regarding the level of threat to American interests. A primary focus of Bachmann’s has also been on the alliance between the U.S. and Israel. Bachmann has been criticized for often confusing her foreign policy facts.

Stay tuned for the Republican Presidential Debate on November 19, 2011 at 5:00 PM Eastern and will include Bachmann, Cain, Gingrich, Paul, Perry and Santorum. Romney has yet to confirm.